EUS

So sorry to hear of your loss. Both ASE-Tec & Jakeman. All I can say is time heals.

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Keep the Shiny Side up
Be Safe Be Seen

ASE-Tech

Thanks as well Jakeman, and all for your condolences, it's one of those things that will never go out of my mind, but we are getting better everyday. What do ya do really? Just gotta keep your head up and move forward and learn from what has happened.

We have to remember too that if the feeling comes over us, just need to take a step back and take a deep breathe. Then the rest is up to you... Ride safe all!! Keep on rollin!!

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I know stuff, it just doesn't come out when I need it to.

93 Shadow 1100

Jakeman

If you do keep riding use their memory. A good friend of mine was taken away from us in a crash because he was not wearing a seatbelt. I was bad at remembering to put mine on, I have 4 tickets in the past 2 years, 6 tickets total. Now everytime i get in my pickup I get to remember my friend when I put my seatbelt on. His memory keeps me safe. Even if you dont keep riding I hope you too can find a ray of light in this storm. God bless.

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wamclaugh

35 years ago when I began to ride I asked an old timer how to keep from laying down my bike. He told me to "Keep the front tire on the road, watch your speed and treat every cage rider as though thier out to get your A**." We all have a gut wrenching story to tell, Many of us have some fear when we get on our bikes. Fear makes you safe. If it overwhelms you it isn't unmanly to park the bike and get in a car and go back to the bike tommorrow. Remember "Ride to Live. Live to Ride."

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ASE-Tech

I've been back on the bike quite a few times the past few weeks.. and I must say it feels great, and yes that fear is definately there... And will be for a long time. Yes, My front wheel stays grounded... not that I could pull a wheelie or even want to. But I just wanna ride and be out in the nice weather and scenery and feel that freeness that we all love so much.

__________________
I know stuff, it just doesn't come out when I need it to.

93 Shadow 1100

auerrod

I ride 1000 miles a month just commuting to work in 4 lanes (each direction) of bumper to bumper, brake-slamming-speeding-up ridiculous traffic here on Long Island. Nothing can make up for confidence and those who are scared die a splattered death when fate calls them to make a confident decision. I can't stress riding inside your skill level. If you can't take the heat stay out of the kitchen and I give respect to any rider who chooses to avoid dangerous situations by choosing a route that avoids putting them into situations that they aren't comfortable handling.

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ASE-Tech

I wish you good fortune in your commute situation, I know there's quite a bit of ignorant drivers in your area. I know personally even if there was no loss close to me, I wouldn't ride in that situation.. I've said on the forum before that here in Kansas City, I have seen more red light runners than anywhere else I have been ESPECIALLY in the turning lanes.

There was one situation (I was in my car at the time) in the winter where my green had been on for approx 2 seconds and not 1, not 2, but 3 car went through the turn light.. I came damn near hitting them (slick out too) and the chick in the passenger seat was waving me on like, "Come On Hit Us", I, being the person I am, gave her the ole honk and New England "your #1" salute and cleared their bumper by about 3 inches.

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I know stuff, it just doesn't come out when I need it to.

93 Shadow 1100

cagie

I've had the "yellow light means go faster" incidents more than I care on the bike, much less the car. There are just so many dirvers out there that should not have licenses. Problem is there just isn't enough methods for enforcment of laws and less common decency. It's a real shame.

Just yesterday I noted several vehicles entering the highway. everyone knows that you yeild to traffic and then match lane traffic to merge. What irritates me so much is those that feel people on the right of way should slow (or stop) to allow them to enter at their pace. IMO, that is the primary reason there are traffic jambs on freeways. That and "just gotta be first" mentality. I could go on and on and on...

I can understand folks not having confidence and even shear terror at the thought of riding a motorcycle in heavy traffic. Another reason to have those experts with experience, confidence and proper training to give instruction through venues like the MSF courses teach us. I applaud and give all due respect to those folks, and to those who take the initative to atteend these courses, whether mandated to or not.

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

EUS

I agree with audrrod In most situations we can pick where we want to ride. I think frame of mind has a lot to do with your riding, If i don't really feel 100% I take the car. Lets everyone be Safe and be Seen.

__________________
Keep the Shiny Side up
Be Safe Be Seen

ASE-Tech

Alls I gotta say is, more power to ya auerrod. And yes Cagie, I had to correct my wife about the merging thing more than once.. She was one of those that would just keep going like she was supposed to while on the highway, then turn right around and yell at people for not letting her merge onto the highway "like their supposed to"..lol but thats why I love her.. She's Nutty!

EUS.. I agree with the 100% thing, I think if you are not sure.. you shouldn't, But then there's me, I can get around to about 60-65% confidence before I won't get on and ride, then theres some who just go no matter the weather, traffic, phase of the moon etc, etc..

__________________
I know stuff, it just doesn't come out when I need it to.

93 Shadow 1100